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  Lily was openly staring at the priest. Charlie rubbed her arm gently to alert her. She blinked a few times going a little pink.

  He held her hand tighter as Mr. Prentice handed out the glasses having dismissed the waiter.

  “Here’s to a great working relationship.”

  Charlie raised his glass out of politeness to Mr. P as the priest said “Slante” and drank a decent amount.

  “Now Mr. Doherty, do you mind if I call you Charlie? I’ve had the pleasure of meeting your grandmother. Lovely woman.”

  Now Charlie was staring. The priest had called his gran lovely. Things were definitely looking up.

  “You said you wanted to be frank, so go ahead. Very little offends me unless of course you are blasphemous.”

  Charlie hesitated. Then he set the glass untouched on the table and turned toward the priest.

  “Father Nelson, we haven’t had much to be thankful for recently when it comes to the priests of our neighborhood. In fact, you might find that both Lily and I have been asked not to attend services.”

  The priests expression grew angry but Charlie continued.

  “We have not committed any sins, well none severe enough to warrant our treatment. Lily was instrumental in closing down a particular establishment and it appears to have caused a …” Charlie searched for a tactful term, “misunderstanding between us and Father Devine. One shared by Father Donnolly.”

  “If you allow me to interrupt, I think I can help. It would appear that my fellow priests share a lot of common ground, some of which may not be appropriate beliefs for a man of the cloth to hold. God said all men were equal in his eyes. In fact, some would say, from reading their bible, that Jesus may have favored the poor man over the rich. But I believe he meant people everywhere to be treated as equals regardless of the size of their wallet, their address or their occupation. Decent men and women come from all sorts of backgrounds and who am I to judge? I have asked our Bishop to arrange for both priests to leave this area. I believe a fresh start is best for everyone. I also believe that Fathers Devine and Donnolly will benefit from some time apart from one another. Both will serve under more, let’s say, forgiving individuals.”

  “I hope they are patient too,” Charlie said.

  Father Nelson smiled but didn’t respond.

  “Father Nelson, am I right in thinking you would be cut from a similar cloth to that of Father McKenna?”

  “The very same, if I am so bold. Father McKenna is the type of priest I would like to become. Someone loyal and deserving of his community. I would welcome any help I can get in order to change the message coming from the church in this area.”

  The priest took another drink and this time Lily and Charlie both joined him.

  “Now your gran said there was a wedding to prepare for. Is that correct?”

  Charlie choked on his drink telling himself it was the bubbles. He looked from the priest to Mr. Prentice and then finally to Lily.

  “I would love that Father Nelson, but Lily will have the final word.”

  “I would like that too Father, but first you will have to instruct me in your religion. I know Charlie is a born catholic but I was never christened. At least not as far as I know. I remember my mama saying prayers but she never did that when my pa was around. I guess he wasn’t what you call the praying type.”

  “We can do that Lily. I look forward to getting to know you better. Now why don’t you tell me about your plans for the sanctuary? From what I’ve heard, you have done amazing work so far.” Father Nelson took another sip from his drink, his eyes sparkling. “In fact, I have been asked to ask you if you have any spare single ladies?”

  Lily stared at the priest until Charlie found his voice.

  “Ladies, Father?”

  “Yes, for Clover Springs. Father Molloy has asked if you have any mail order brides to send him. Seems he has been celebrating a few weddings lately and now wants to do a lot more. There is a serious shortage of women ready for marriage. He is almost begging for help.”

  Charlie looked to Lily who was smiling. He held her hand tighter. Father Molloy wasn’t the only one looking to celebrate a marriage.

  Also by Rachel Wesson

  Clover SpringsMail Order Brides

  Katie (Book 1)

  Mary (Book 2)

  Sorcha (Book 3)

  Emer (Book 4)

  Laura (Book 5)

  Ellen (Book 6)

  Thanksgiving in Clover Springs(book 7)

  Christmas in Clover Springs(book8)

  Erin (Book 9)

  Eleanor (book 10)

  Cathy (book 11 )

  Clover SpringsEast

  New York Bound (book 1)

  New York Storm (book 2)

  New York Hope (book 3)

  Trail of Hearts - Oregon Trail Series

  Oregon Bound (book 1)

  Oregon Dreams (book 2)

  Oregon Destiny (book 3)

  Oregon Discovery (Oregon Orphans)

  Writing as Ellie Keaton

  Women & War (World War II fiction)

  Gracie

  Penny

  Molly